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16 April 2020

Complying with Family Court Orders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on families and the Australian community, particularly those families with family court orders in place and matters that are currently before the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

Parents are naturally genuinely concerned about the safety of their children and how the COVID-19 virus will affect their lives.  Part of that concern in family law proceedings can extend to a parent’s or carer’s ability to comply with parenting orders and what should be properly expected of them by the Courts in these extraordinary times.

Statement from Chief Justice on Family Court Orders

In a recent Statement from the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia, it was clarified that the Courts remain open to assist parties and to provide parents with some general guidance.  The Chief Justice provided the following helpful directions:

  1. It is imperative that parents and carers act in the best interests of their children.  This includes ensuring their children’s safety and wellbeing. Whilst the Courts make orders that are determined to be in the best interests of a child, caring for and determining the practical day-to-day best interests of a child is primarily the responsibility of parents and carers.
  2. Consistent with their responsibilities to act in the children’s best interests, parents and carers are expected to comply with Court orders in relation to parenting arrangements.  This includes facilitating time being spent by the children with each parent or carer pursuant to parenting orders.
  3. In the highly unusual circumstances now faced by Australian parents and carers, there may be situations that arise that make strict compliance with court orders very difficult, if not, impossible.  This may be caused, for instance, where orders stipulate that contact with a parent occurs at a designated contact centre, which may not currently be operating. Or, the “pick up” arrangements of a child may nominate a particular school, and that school is now closed. Many state borders are also closed. In addition, there may be genuine safety issues that have arisen whereby one parent, or someone in close contact with that parent, has been exposed to COVID-19, and this may restrict the safe movement of a child from one house to another.
  4. As a first step, and only if it is safe to do so, parties should communicate with each other about their ability to comply with current orders and they should attempt to find a practical solution to these difficulties.  These should be considered sensibly and reasonably.  Each parent should always consider the safety and best interests of the child, but also appreciate the concerns of the other parent when attempting to reach new or revised arrangements. This includes understanding that family members are important to children and the risk of infection to vulnerable members of the child’s family and household should also be considered.
  5. If an agreement can be reached about new parenting arrangements, even if they are to be adjusted for a short period of time, this agreement should ideally be in writing, even if by way of email, text message or WhatsApp between each other. This will be particularly important if there are later family law hearings and will assist all concerned, including the Court, to understand what agreement may have been reached.
  6. Parents and carers can also mediate their differences through lawyers and electronic mediation services are available.
  7. If an agreement has been reached and consent orders have been developed to outline new or varied parenting orders, consent order applications can be filed electronically with the Court. This process is quick and usually conducted without a hearing.
  8. If the parties are unable to agree to vary the arrangement, or if it is unsafe to do so, and one or both parents continue to have real concerns, the parties are at liberty to approach the Court electronically and seek a variation of the orders.
  9. Where there is no agreement, parents should keep the children safe until the dispute can be resolved. Also, during this period of dispute, parents should ensure that each parent or carer continues to have some contact with the children consistent with the parenting arrangements such as by videoconferencing, social media, or if that is not possible, by telephone.
  10. At all times, parents or carers must act reasonably. To act reasonably, or to have a reasonable excuse for not complying with Court orders, is a matter that is considered by the Court (pursuant to s70NAE of the Family Law Act 1975(Cth)).
  11. It is imperative that, even if the orders cannot be strictly adhered to and are varied by the parties, the parties ensure that the purpose or spirit of the orders are respected when considering altering arrangements and that they act in the best interest of the children.
  12. The Courts appreciate that agreement by mutual consent may not be reached, particularly if one party has concern for their physical safety. Therefore, the Courts advise that if a parent, carer or child is in immediate danger, they should contact their local police.
  13. The perpetration or threat of family violence is never in the best interests of the child. Again, therefore, the Courts advise that if a parent, carer or child is in immediate danger, they should contact their local police and seek medical advice if required.

If you need help navigating this difficult and unprecedented time, talk to one of our experienced family lawyers Kristy Perdriau or Barbara Houlihan.

 


Individual liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation (personal injury work exempted).

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